10 Days Beijing Xian Chengdu Shanghai Family Tour
Tour Overview
Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai, each of these four cities has its own unique charm and historical and cultural heritage. This 10-day China family tour will take you through the heart of this country, from the imperial majesty of Beijing with its Forbidden City to the thrilling adventure of the Mutianyu Great Wall. Your children will explore Xian’s cultural treasures and make dumplings with a local family. In Chengdu, get up close with pandas at the Research Base and savor the relaxed pace of Renmin Park. Finish by ascending the iconic landmarks of Shanghai and cruising the Huangpu River, creating lasting memories for the whole family.
Travel destinations: Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Shanghai
Suitable for: Culture & History Lovers, Families
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Explore the Forbidden City & Summer Palace in Beijing to unveil imperial history.
- Conquer the Mutianyu Great Wall with your kids by riding a chairlift up and tobogganing down.
- Witness the adorable pandas at Chengdu Research Base and experience the slow-paced life in Renmin Park.
- Make dumplings with a local family and create a mini clay warrior.
- Ascend to the top of the Shanghai World Financial Center to overlook the historic landmarks.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
So glad to have you on our 10-day China Family Tour! Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, your guide and driver will warmly welcome your family and transfer you to your carefully selected hotel.
For the rest of the time, you can take a leisurely walk through the nearby Wangfujing Street on your own, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: in Beijing
- Day 2: Beijing Exploration TourAdmire the Magnificent Imperial Buildings from Hundreds of Years Ago
After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up at the hotel lobby and we'll drive to the first attraction of the day, Tian'anmen Square, the heart and symbol of Beijing and the largest city square in the world. The spacious square has been used for many public celebrations, ceremonies, and demonstrations for over a hundred years.
Next, walk to the Forbidden City, one of the largest and most completely preserved palace complexes built of wood. It functioned as the imperial palace in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912). 24 emperors of the two dynasties once lived here.
Forbidden City In the afternoon, your Beijing family tour takes you to one of the most popular attractions in Beijing - the Summer Palace. This palace was a summer retreat for the Qing emperors and their families, built on Wanshou Mountain and Kunming Lake. It is truly a tranquil escape adorned with classical Chinese gardens. You and your kid can enjoy a boat ride on Kunming Lake.
In the evening, you will watch the wonderful Chinese Kung Fu Show. It shows the traditional martial arts for you and your children (at your own expense).
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Beijing
- Day 3: Great Wall Adventure in BeijingExperience the Joy of Sliding Down the Great Wall
It's time of your kids for an adventure to the Great Wall! You will be escorted to the world-famous Mutianyu Section, an ancient engineering miracle surrounded by lush vegetation. When you ascend the Great Wall by the chairlift ride, your guide will tell you the rich historical stories of the Great Wall and tell you the best shooting locations. The winding paths of this UNESCO World Heritage site stretch endlessly. Your children will experience the exhilarating toboggan slide down the Great Wall.
Sliding down the toboggan After the Great Wall day tour, we will return to the city for a dinner - Beijing Roast Duck at a renowned local restaurant. You and your family can learn how to eat roast duck properly.
Meal: Breakfast + Dinner
Accommodation: in Beijing
- Day 4: Beijing to Xian Tour by High-speed TrainHave a Cultural Exploration and Learn to Write Calligraphy
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and then we'll head to the Temple of Heaven. It was a magnificent royal structure that served as a complex of sacrificial buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties prayed for peace and harvest. Also, you may witness locals practicing water calligraphy and Tai Chi in the surrounding park, which provides you and your kids with a glimpse into Beijingers' traditional leisure activities.
In the afternoon, transfer you to the historic Beijing Hutong where you will experience a traditional rickshaw, gaining insight into the city's ancient alleyways. Your children can try an intimate Chinese Calligraphy class hosted by a local family (at your own expense).
Take a Chinese Calligraphy Class After that, you will be escorted to take a comfortable high-speed train ride to the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties - Xian. Upon arrival, a local driver will meet you at the railway station and escort you to your hotel in the city center.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Xian
- Day 5: Xian Historical TourMake a Replica Small Terracotta Soldier
After breakfast, an expert local English-speaking tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby. After an hour's drive from the city center, you will visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, an archaeological miracle with thousands of life-size clay soldiers, horses and chariots. Over 2000 years ago, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, built this world heritage site. You will be surprised that each soldier displays a unique expression. After that, your kids will enjoy making a replica small terracotta soldier. And you can take your “work” home.
Make a Mini Terracotta Warrior Later in the afternoon, we'll drive back to the city center to visit one of Xi'an's iconic landmarks - the Ancient City Wall. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved city walls in China. You and your kids can take a leisurely walk and ride a bike (included) on the top of the wall and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
If time permits, your guide will take you to stroll around the Muslim Quarter, a paradise for food lovers. Here, you will find many kinds of delicious local snacks such as Biang Biang Noodle, Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger), and Yangrou Paomo (Mutton and Bread Pieces in Soup).
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Xian
- Day 6: Xian to Chengdu Tour by High-speed TrainVisit a Local Family and Learn How to Make Dumplings
Today your child will experience an educational visit. After breakfast, you will take a guided tour of the Xian Museum, where you can learn about the thousand-year history of founding the capital and the development of Xian. Also, admire a large collection of cultural relics from all eras of Xian. In addition, visit many thematic displays, such as Buddhist statue art, ancient paintings and calligraphy, and jade wares.
After that, you will have an immersive experience with a local family, learning the art of dumpling making. Dumplings are one of the most popular staple foods in China, often used as a symbol of reunion. The local host will demonstrate you and your kids how to make dumplings.
Learn to Make Dumplings In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Chengdu.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Chengdu
- Day 7: Chengdu City TourWatch Cute Pandas Up Close and Sample Local Snacks
Today is a highlight of your China family tour! After breakfast, we will visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. It is well known for the protection and breeding of the endangered giant pandas that are unique to China. There are adorable pandas everywhere. You kids can watch them eating bamboo, playing with each other, and of course, sleeping closely. The guide will lead you through the huge area, share some information about the pandas, and help your family take amazing photos.
In the afternoon, you will explore the peaceful Wenshu Temple. Wenshu Temple is the most well-preserved Buddhist temple in the city of Chengdu. Here, you will see many Buddhist artifacts, including statues, scriptures, murals, and more.
Baby Pandas in Chengdu Giant Panda Base After that, enjoy a leisurely time in Renmin Park, where you can sip a cup of tea amidst the serene surroundings. As night falls, Jinli Old Street is illuminated by lights. Your family can sample local snacks (at your own expense) and absorb the vibrant local culture.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Chengdu
- Day 8: Chengdu to Shanghai Tour by Flight
After breakfast, you will be transferred to take a morning flight to Shanghai, the modern metropolis. Upon arrival, a local driver will escort you to the hotel. After checking in, you can have a good rest.
The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. If your kids are interested, you can go to see the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Shanghai
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium - Day 9: Shanghai Highlights TourTake an Evening Cruise along the Huangpu River
Meet your Shanghai guide after breakfast. Today's China tour in Shanghai first takes you to a famous classical garden - Yu Garden which was originally built by the owner as a place for his parents to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age. Adjacent to the garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar, where you can find many commercial shops selling snacks, souvenirs, antiques, and more.
After that, you will be guided to ascend the Shanghai World Financial Center for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Yu Garden in Winter Nanjing Road is one of Shanghai's most famous shopping streets. In the afternoon, you can shop, taste delicious food, and enjoy street performances here. Later, head to The Bund, where you can admire 52 buildings with different styles such as Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, etc, and the magnificent modern skyline. Take a stroll along the waterfront, and appreciate the scenery on both sides.
Take an evening cruise along the Huangpu River in the evening to admire Shanghai's dazzling skyline.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Shanghai
Huangpu River Night Cruise - Day 10: Departure from ShanghaiExplore the Creative District of Tianzifang
Your China family trip will conclude today. After breakfast, the guide will take you to visit a Buddhist temple, Jade Buddha Temple. This temple houses two precious jade Buddha statues. Here, you can experience tranquility and explore a sense of inner peace.
Following that, you'll head to Tianzifang. It was converted from a Shikumen complex, where studios, galleries and cafes of artists and designers are gathered. Strolling through the alleys, you can enjoy various art exhibitions, handicrafts and creative decorations.
Tianzifang At the end of the tour, your private driver will escort you to the airport or train station for your onward journey or return home. This is the end of your 10-day China tour with family. Hope you and your kids spent a great time with us!
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A